Lee

Berkshires” (it’s the town you enter off the Mass Pike), Lee has somehow remained an undiscovered gem. Its humble, hardworking origins—it was built by paper mills and marble quarries—reverberate today in Lee’s friendly and eclectic vibe. The historic town center has small-town feel and eye-appeal in spades. The First Congregational Church’s steeple is the tallest wooden spire in New England: lift up your eyes.

EAT/DRINK | It’s a puzzle how Lee has remained off the food-seeking GPS. On Main Street alone you can order up farm-to-table breakfast and lunch fare at Starving Artist Creperie & Café and Prado’s Cafe, or a plate of corned beef hash at Joe’s Diner. Seafood is on deck at Salmon Run Fish House, bistro food at The Morgan House (serving since 1853!) and Café Triskele (both under new ownership), Peruvian fare at Alpamayo, and Chinese at Panda Garden. Or cheer on your favorite teams at the Locker Room Sports Bar. Still in town, authentic, Oaxacan-style tamales, tacos, sopes, and huaraches are on the menu at brand-new Antojitos Oaxaca, on Railroad Street (in the former site of Lucia’s Latin Kitchen), while Baja Charlie’s continues making “killer tacos” and margaritas. Or, head to Athena’s for Greek food or 51 Park Restaurant & Tavern for family-friendly pub grub. Craftbeer aficionados will appreciate the “no Bud Light” ethos at Moe’s Tavern, a beer and whiskey joint with a cult following. A short drive will take you to Mint for Indian food in a lakeside setting.

Also worth the trip is family-owned High Lawn Farm. Stop by their Farmstead Creamery to stock up on their full line of fresh dairy products. Barrington Coffee Roasting Company has a roastery that’s like Willy Wonka for the caffeinated set.

Canna Provisions, off the Mass Pike as you head into town, offers a full line of THC and CBD wellness offerings (legal weed, in plain English).

SHOP | Downtown offers a multifarious mix. Zabian’s Fine Jewelry is a family-owned business right on Main. Antiques aplenty are on hand at the 3,000-square-foot Finders Keepers. Ben’s is the place for iconic shoes and boots (Red Wing, Bogs) in a former From left: Karen Keenan’s Gifts & Home, Joe’s Diner.

Army-Navy store. Off of It Gallery for custom sneakers and collectibles (Supreme and Bearbricks), and Karen Keenan’s Gifts & Home for, well, gifts and home goods. Barn Speed Hobbies is an old-school store that is filled to the rafters with rare finds (think radio-controlled airplanes) and a staff that is eager to help. Looking for building and renovation supplies? Don’t miss Dresser-Hull.

For name-brand merchandise at discount prices, Premium Outlets (the most-visited spot in the Berkshires) is just one mile east of town via US Route 20. With some 60 stores and a family-friendly food court, there’s something for everyone here, from sporting goods (Champion, Under Armour) and casual wear (J. Crew/ CrewCuts, Ann Taylor/Loft, Banana Republic, Gap/Gap Kids, Old Navy, Levi’s) to luxe accessories (Coach, Cole Haan, Michael Kors, Kate Spade), among other name-brand merchants.

SEE | While not as eminent as its Berkshire neighbors, Lee has its own arts distinction. Wilma, a center for music, dance, and other art forms, features performances by local talent in the historic Congregational Church. From a renovated former five-anddime on Main Street, the College Internship Program (CIP) offers a year-long curriculum focusing on creative and educational development for young adults with Asperger’s, autism, and other learning differences. The program has two professional venues: the Good Purpose Gallery on Main and the Spectrum Playhouse & Joyous Studios, in a converted church on Franklin St.

In South Lee on Route 102, the Saint Francis Gallery, also in a converted church, features a mix of emerging and established local artists. At Ozzie’s Glass Gallery on Route 102 towards Stockbridge, you can see Michael Ozzie, a native Lee artisan, in action blowing glass.

STAY | In-town options include The Morgan House and Chambery Inn Bed & Breakfast. Budget hotel Pilgrim Inn is on the retail strip along Housatonic Street, near the new Starbucks (in the former Friendly’s location) and existing Dunkin’. Devonfield Inn, another historic B&B, sits on 32 lush acres on the road to Lenox. Black Swan Inn is on Laurel Lake.

Oak n’ Spruce Resort, located along the Housatonic River in South Lee, is popular with young families.

Lee also lays claim to The Playhouse, a VRBO listing that was featured in the Netflix series The World’s Most Amazing Vacation Rentals. The 7,000 square foot property includes a yoga studio, two kitchens, seven sleeping areas, and five bedrooms, plus lakefront access and views.